OPERATION: MINDCRIME

This is one of the greatest concept albums ever made. It is one of the few to actually tell a coherent story with a beginning, middle and an end. It is a very dark story about drug addiction, mind control, jealousy, murder and loss, all stemming from the manipulation of the central character (Nikki) by the dastardly Dr. X.

Geoff Tate weaves the lyrics that tell this tale and delivers them in stunning fashion using the complete range of his vocal talent. The musical backdrop that underpins the tale is similarly stunning, perfectly evoking the bleak emotional landscape the characters find themselves in. Sound effects and spoken passages are used to great effect as a means of both moving the story along and to enhance our understanding of the plot. Messers De Garmo, Wilton, Rockenfield and Jackson are very accomplished musicians and this is reflected by some very technical playing.

In closing, this album is maybe more metal than prog but it still offers a lot to prog fans and is one I consider to be essential listening.